Supporting Safety and Security for our People and Communities ~ First Nation Police Services

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1 Assemblée extraordinaire des Chefs Supporting Safety and Security for our People and Communities ~ First Nation Police Services December 10-12, 2013 Gatineau, Quebec Du 10 au 12 décembre 2013 Gatineau (Québec)

2 Approach A key responsibility for First Nation leadership is the safety and well-being of their community members. First Nation Police Services play a critical role in ensuring public safety and in keeping the peace in First Nations communities. Supporting First Nation Police Services to be as effective as possible is the focal point of the national strategy development and advocacy It is hoped that a National Strategy, based on resolutions passed by Chiefs-in-Assembly would assist in advancing new approaches and lead to a negotiation framework for First Nation policing that is more culturally appropriate, sustainable and reflective of the essential needs of communities they serve.

3 Background The federal First Nations Policing Policy (FNPP ) is a discretionary and nonstatutory transfer payment program, based on various forms of tripartite agreements between the communities, provinces and territories. Under this program, there are currently over 160 policing agreements that cover 400 First Nation and Inuit communities. The FNPP is the policy guiding First Nations Police Services. It was intended to provide First Nations with access to police services that are professional, effective, culturally appropriate and accountable to the communities they serve. Called upon the federal government, provincial and territorial governments and First Nations to work together to negotiate tripartite agreements that meet the particular needs of each community. Assumes that First Nation policing is an enhancement of existing policing services provided by the RCMP or provincial police services. This leads to inadequate funding where all self-administered First Nation police services are the primary service providers.

4 National Strategy First Nation Policing In March 2013, Public Safety Canada announced it has renewed and stabilized the First Nation Policing Program for five years however no new money was attached to this announcement. In response to the countless resolution on this matter, the AFN is working with the First Nation Chiefs of Police Association and First Nation leadership to develop a National Strategy and Action Plan focused on the following pillars: Engagement, Research and Development Joint Policy Review (First Nation Policing Policy) Political Engagement Partnerships (RCMP and other policing services) Advocacy, Public Education and Communication

5 National Strategy First Nation Policing The AFN, with support from Public Safety Canada is advocating for a National process to enable regional strategy sessions aimed at developing an approach to deliver community and culturally appropriate police services based on community needs. This will enable First Nation Police Services to identify what sets them apart from regular police forces and the type of service required which will have the support of Chiefs and citizens. This plan could include committed funding over a ten-twenty year time frame. In order to set up negotiations for next year the AFN is looking to establish roundtable meeting with First Nation leadership and Minister of Public Safety to review the outcomes of the strategic planning sessions and examine new funding models and framework for the First Nations Policing Program.

6 Addressing the Funding Crisis The federal government, in partnership with provincial governments must engage First Nation police services and Chiefs on an urgent basis to ensure the following: An examination of all operational budgets for 2013/2014 to ensure additional funding can meet operational requirements. Develop a new negotiation process and a long term funding framework for First Nation police services which responds better to their evolution overtime. A more streamlined process to respond to housing, equipment, operational and infrastructure needs

7 Relationship Building First Nations continue to assert their jurisdiction on land related matters: Recent events involving the Royal Canada Mounted Police (RCMP) have deeply impacted the trust and confidence First Nations have in mainstream police services. The right to peaceful assembly is fundamental to democracy and is enshrined in section two of the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms The safety of all citizens in the course of direct action depends on the police exercising restraint and the use of force only as a last resort. The use of violence in these situations only makes the resolution of important legal, social and economic issues considerably more difficult.

8 Relationship Building Many studies including the Report of the Ipperwash Inquiry have concluded that to reduce violence police must strive to build a network of mutual support between the police service and First Nations based on the following principles: Greater understanding of Treaty and inherent rights and relationship Indigenous peoples have to the land, waters and resources. Being patient and emphasizing open lines of communication Remaining neutral to the substance of the dispute The avoidance of violence All parties would benefit from strong communication protocols to keep the lines of communication open and encourage culturally appropriate training

9 Next Steps In conjunction with the First Nations Chiefs of Police Association and regional organizations, develop a high level National Strategy on First Nation Policing to: Establish a communication protocol with the RCMP and encourage regional protocols where regional police services exist. Highlight the current state of affairs in First Nation policing services in Ontario and to offer solutions from the First Nation perspective. Engage with regions to develop an approach to deliver community and culturally appropriate police services and tell the story of what sets apart First Nations Police Services. Set-up regular roundtable meetings with First Nation leadership and Minister of Public Safety to review the outcomes of the strategic planning sessions and examine new funding models and approaches to the First Nations Policing Program.

10 Closing Thoughts Action is required immediately to address the funding crisis faced by our First Nation police services as cost continue to rise and federal and provincial funding remains status quo. The FNPP lacks the mechanism to respond to the funding needs of First Nation police services as they continue to grow and evolve. First Nation leaders must also seriously consider the development of communication protocols with the RCMP and provincial police services